Erin Shanagher to star as Lady Macbeth in Oldham

The Bay star Erin Shanagher is heading back to the stage after being cast as Lady Macbeth in a striking new Oldham production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Erin will star opposite Andrew Sheridan, who takes the title role, when Oldham Coliseum Theatre brings the tragedy to Liquid & Envy nightclub in the centre of Oldham. The production runs from 23 October to 7 November 2026 and will feature 19 performances.

It is certainly not going to be a traditional staging of Macbeth. Director Nick Bagnall is transporting Shakespeare’s story into a gritty late 1970s Oldham world of gangsters, casinos and changing social codes, with the nightclub itself becoming part of the experience.

The production will explore familiar themes of ambition and power alongside masculinity and identity, while rooting the story firmly in Oldham. Audiences are being promised something that feels closer to a night out than a conventional trip to the theatre.

Erin is best known to television audiences as DS Karen Hobson in ITV crime drama The Bay, a role she has played since the series began. Her more recent television work also includes Ridley and Channel 5 drama Number One Fan, while previous credits include Peaky Blinders, Viewpoint and The A Word.

Her film work includes Prano Bailey Bond’s psychological horror Censor, while Erin is no stranger to the stage either. She previously appeared in Beginning at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, making her casting as Lady Macbeth another major addition to an increasingly varied screen and theatre career.

Andrew Sheridan brings an equally strong list of credits to Macbeth. His television and film work includes Control, Chernobyl, Peaky Blinders, Industry and The Couple Next Door, while he has also built an extensive theatre career.

Nick Bagnall has spoken enthusiastically about bringing Erin and Andrew together for the production, saying he had wanted the opportunity to work with Erin after watching her career from afar. He believes Lady Macbeth is an ideal role for her and has described both leads as highly skilful and soulful performers.

For viewers who primarily know Erin from The Bay, this production offers the chance to see her take on one of Shakespeare’s most famous roles in a completely different setting. Lady Macbeth is a major part for any actor, and Erin’s casting gives audiences another reason to look forward to what promises to be a distinctive and ambitious production for Oldham.

Macbeth runs at Liquid & Envy in Oldham from 23 October until 7 November 2026. Tickets and full performance information are available directly from Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

Image credits: Oldham Coliseum Theatre.